Here in the Big Easy it’s the height of Carnival season. I generally try to avoid crowds, but sometimes you get an offer you can’t refuse; this one was “above” the crowds, courtesy of some of my friends in high places. We were invited for dinner at a fancy schmancy restaurant that included a viewing stand. I had a perch to see three parades, including the Krewe of Muses, which is an all female crew. It’s all about shoes and bathtubs, my kind of theme!

Krewe of Muses Bathtub Float

Let me use the watery theme to segue into March, which means aquamarines! One of my favorite rocks, from the berylicious (or in boring scientific terms “beryl”) family.

I am always on the hunt for cool specimens, and this year in Tucson I found the coolest aquamarine crystal slices. A matching pair of beautiful cross sections showing different shades of blue in the natural crystal structure. They are now a special pair of earrings, reminiscent of ancient Roman jewels!

Natural Aquamarine Crystal Cross Section Slice Earrings

I also bought a handful of polished, natural aquamarine crystals, perfect for rings and pendants. This one is especially nice, long and lean with a little curve action!

Natural Polished Aquamarine Crystal Ring

Rose Cut Aquamarine Earrings with Chrysocolla Drops

Adding a little interest to these earrings is one of my other favorite rocks, chrysocolla. I have a nice little collection of this stuff, looks nice with aquamarine too.

My latest pièce de résistance is an emerald cut berylicious with gorgeous inclusions. It’s big and honkin, over 40 carats! You can get lost inside this world for hours.

Emerald Cut Beryl with Inclusions Pendant Necklace

Beryl with Inclusions – a closer look!

Last but not least, not a berylicious piece, but still droolworthy in my humble opinion. Natural turquoise with black matrix from exotic Uzbekistan. Perfectly Miss Matched earrings.

Another year, another trip to mecca (aka Tucson Gem Shows). Gem hunting in Tucson this year was just as spectacular as ever, and one could not order up better weather! Warm, sunny and perfect for the outdoor venues. Here’s a wrap up of some of my favorite finds:

Chrysocolla Malachite Slices

I have never scored such beautifully mismatched chrysocolla malachite slices; perfectly sized for earrings!

Emerald Cut Aquamarines with Inclusions

Can never get enough of these hard to find babies! Love beryl with all that trapped gorgeousness.

Chrysocolla with Jasper, Malachite. On the right: Apatite in Apatite.

Cantera Opals from Mexico

These babies are often called Mexican Fire Opals. When they have a host matrix, they are similar to Australian Boulder opals, but are referred to as “Cantera” opals.

Tucson is more than just rocks. There are all kinds of exhibits that can literally take your breath away, or move you to tears. This year I came across an exquisite display of lights by Lawrence Stoller. Here’s a photo I snagged off his website:

Lawrence Stoller

I was in tears. The artist himself was so moved, that I was moved, he gave me one of his calendars in appreciation! Note to self, stop hiding tears. Check out his gorgeous stuff at his website: http://crystalworks.com/

On the way back home, I crossed a couple of things off my Texas bucket list. First, I lassoed me a pair of cowboys boots.

Second, I took the long way through Big Bend State and National Parks. I figure, if they’re going to build a wall, I wanna see it before they wreck the view.

Big Bend

Big Bend Hoodoos

The Rio Grande

While picnicking in Big Bend, I fell in love. This is me with Emmy Lou. I wanted to take her home, but then I’d be wanted for dognapping!

Me & Emmy Lou

So, there you have it. I’ll be posting some finished pieces soon.
Meanwhile, you can still go shopping for some lovely baubles here:http://boutique.ledajewelco.com/

Happy trails!

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